4. Approach
Our advice has been informed by a literature review of research on community ownership in Scotland and, in particular, recommendations provided by the Scottish Land Commission’s previous work. This advice builds on academic and grey literature, including a SEFARI Gateway fellowship report which supported a team from the University of the Highlands and Islands and University of Edinburgh to carry out research on understanding the drivers and barriers for largescale community land ownership and our previous work.11 This work was informed by a working group from the Scottish Land Commission, Scottish Government and SRUC.
Further insights were gathered through 12 semi-structured interviews with community, public sector and third sector parties to investigate perceptions and challenges experienced regarding community acquisition mechanisms, funding and support mechanisms. Interviews were conducted online and two grouped interviews took place in person. A thematic analysis was carried out looking at challenges, needs and opportunities raised by participants.
11 Macaulay, B., et al. (2026) SEFARI Fellowship to understand changes in demand for largescale community land acquisitions and identify barriers and solutions to new acquisitions.
